Rising Anti-EU Sentiment in the United Kingdom

Historically, the United Kingdom has been a leading critic of European integration. London believes that the creation of the European Union has forced member states to transfer too much national sovereignty to supranational institutions. This view has been amplified by Europe's economic crisis and the resulting institutional reforms in Brussels.

But London cannot abandon the European project entirely. At most, the United Kingdom can seek to redefine its role in Europe. Consequently, London will use upcoming negotiations on institutional reforms in the European Union to reclaim at least some sovereign powers from Brussels. And although a nationwide referendum on EU membership seems inevitable, it would not take place in the near future.